Policy and Governance Manager (2-year Fixed-Term Contract) in Coventry

A passionate and values‑driven leader to drive student policy and governance and shape meaningful change across representative structures. It is a key strategic role, empowering student leaders to operate confidently in complex governance and policy environments and build strong partnerships at a University level. You will provide expert advice and leadership on charity compliance, higher education policy and build strategies for WSU that enhance the student experience.

What’s on offer

• Salary: From £38,719 to £44,515 per annum, plus excellent benefits including holidays and a contributory pension scheme.
• Hours: Full‑time 35 hours per week. Some evening or weekend work will be required from time to time and will be agreed in advance.
• Location: 2 days per week working from home, 3 days per week from Warwick Students’ Union, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry, CV4 7AL. This will be subject to change depending on needs of the business. Occasional off‑site working is required.

Closing Date: Monday, 1 June 2026 at 16:00

Interview Date: TBC

Benefits

• 22 days holiday plus no less than a total of 18 days at Christmas, Easter, New Year, May Day, Spring and Late Summer bank holidays or days in lieu thereof.
• A dedicated wellbeing programme, cycle to work scheme, employee assistance programme, substantial pension scheme and salary extras.

Who are we?

Part business, part charity, part membership body, Warwick Students’ Union is a vibrant place to work, an independent organisation in our own right. Our talented teams support elected student leaders to make change, improve lives and fulfil potential; we empower them to make all this happen. Warwick Students’ Union is one of more than 550 students’ unions across the country, and with more than 25,000 members, over 250 societies, 70 sports clubs, hundreds of elected representatives, a huge range of services and a bold strategy, we are one of the most exciting.

What’s the role?

Key Responsibilities:

• To lead on strengthening the Union's policy, influence, governance effectiveness and democratic legitimacy, ensuring that structured policy development sits within a robust governance framework.
• To provide strategic organisational advice and support so that democratic outcomes meaningfully influence internal, University and national discourse.
• To provide expert advice and leadership to elected student representatives, Trustees and colleagues on governance, charity compliance and higher education policy.
• To deliver strategies that build upon our policy development and policy projects, support the publication and dissemination of relevant motions and policy work with students and prepare briefings and consultation responses on policy that affects WSU within the local community, regionally and nationally.

Why apply?

The precise opposite of corporate, we are progressive, passionate individuals striving to make an impact in unconventional workplaces. In exchange for your enthusiasm and experience, we offer a competitive salary within the non‑profit sector, a contributory defined contribution pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement. We are committed to equal opportunities for all. We welcome applications from people regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age, gender, or disability status. We aim to foster diverse and inclusive working environments and are actively seeking individuals who share our values. Whoever you are, we’d love to hear from you.

Any queries can be directed to: jobs@warwicksu.com

Main Responsibilities and Expected Standards

• Policy Leadership and Influence…
• Governance and Regulatory Compliance…
• Policy Development…
• Democratic Engagement…
• Data, Insight and Evidence…
• Stakeholder Engagement…
• Strategic Planning…
• Training and Development…
• General Responsibilities…

Person Specification

• A relevant degree or equivalent experience which demonstrates experience in HE policy and representation and evidence of ongoing professional development.
• Excellent understanding of the issues affecting students and higher education institutions and understanding of student engagement practices and democratic structures.
• Strong organisational and policy project skills in a students’ union or comparable influencing environment, with the ability to prioritise effectively, work to deadlines and manage projects.
• A commitment and passion for developing and delivering policy to improve the student experience and policy development and briefing knowledge.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and sound judgement, with the ability to understand diverse perspectives and to be able to successfully influence and negotiate both internally and externally.
• Effective research and analysis skills needed to build an evidence base from which you will work.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, teamwork and collaborative skills, a high level of diplomacy and tact and the ability to work with a range of student groups, colleagues and stakeholders to absorb complex information and present it to different audiences.
• A high degree of personal accountability with the ability to live and model the values of Warwick Students’ Union, including a commitment to equity, liberation and diversity in every aspect of your work.
• A passion for working with students with the ability to support and empower them to succeed in their roles.
• The ability to work well under pressure, use initiative and creativity in solving problems and to make decisions autonomously or advise others.
• Ability to manage difficult conversations with empathy whilst maintaining an impartial position, appreciating confidentiality when managing sensitive information.
• Understanding of charity law applies.
• Knowledge and competence with Microsoft Office applications and good IT skills.